With a shooting involving multiple teens in Baker nearly three weeks ago that left three dead, one injured, and another teen possibly spending the rest of his life behind bars, activists, parents, students and law enforcement officials have asking the community what can be done to prevent such a tragedy.

“We are trying to change what’s happening in Baton Rouge, Dr. Rani Whitfield told a group of about 30 Capital High School students Thursday morning.

A 16-year-old, attending a birthday party with about 100 others at the Baker Civic Club, opened fire on one individual, and ended up killing two others and injuring another on March 28. Once news broke of the incident, community members have been holding town hall meetings, press conferences and awareness seminars alerting the public about stopping violent crime.

At the first annual “Teen Talk” event, officials representing the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, and Crime Stoppers, had a panel discussion addressing crime issues in Baton Rouge.

“We don’t want to lock people up,” Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Herbert “Tweety” Hanny, speaking to a group of Capital High students said. “We want to help people.” Hanny, a leader of the Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination project, told students that BRAVE is here to intervene and help out anyone involved in criminal activity. The BRAVE program gives the most violent offenders another option in life. The program allows for an offender to either stop their criminal activity, get help from officials to stop their lifestyle or face prison time. BRAVE offers free educational, addiction, employment and faith-based services.

Responding to a question about why teenagers feel the need to take matters into their own hands, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III said sometimes teens don’t see law enforcement as a legitimate option. “Young folks don’t have conflict resolution skills,” Moore said.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux told students that life is about decisions.

“From day you’re born to the day you die, life is filled with decisions,” he said. “We can make the right choice or the wrong choice. If I take you to the Parish Prison, inmates will tell you they made a wrong decision.”

Gautreaux told students that the average education level of Parish Prison inmates was at a seventh grade level. “They dropped out of school,” he said. “I encourage you to make the right decisions.”

Danielle Howard, a senior at Capital High School, says oftentimes, violent crime offenders in criminal groups don’t have an identity.

“Having your own identity will help you stay from these groups committing violent acts,” she said. Howard says people join these groups because they want to feel accepted.

“You got to take this message out of this room,”Dr. Whitfield told students.